As a newcomer to the world of PC gaming, my journey has been marked by a few unfortunate encounters with subpar game ports. One title that stands out in my memory is Monster Hunter Wilds. However, my experience with Shift Up’s port of their inaugural AAA title, Stellar Blade, has been refreshingly different, setting a new standard for quality in PC adaptations.
Gameplay and Performance
Originally launched as a PlayStation 5 exclusive last year, Stellar Blade has now opened its doors to a wider audience. In this review, I will focus specifically on the PC port, leaving aside the broader context of the game itself. The game’s narrative follows Eve, the last surviving member of the 7th Airborne Squad, as she navigates a post-apocalyptic Earth in her quest to confront the monstrous Elder Naytiba and rescue humanity. While the storyline is rife with challenges and secrets, it is somewhat hindered by average voice acting and a protagonist who lacks depth.
What truly elevates Stellar Blade is its exhilarating combat system. Players can engage in heavy-hitting combos and experience a parry mechanic that feels satisfying, complemented by some of the most impressive combat animations seen in recent gaming history. On the technical side, I ran the game on an RTX 4070 Super with 32 GB of RAM at maximum settings. My experience was largely smooth, with only minor audio glitches and occasional lag that resembled TV static, while maintaining a steady 60 frames per second even during intense battles.
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Despite impressive graphical fidelity, two of Stellar Blade’s large explorable areas are variations on deserts. | Credit: Nathan Vived -
The rooftop boss arena in Stellar Blade’s first true location showcases one of the game’s more unique environments. | Nathan Vived
Critics have drawn comparisons between Stellar Blade and Nier Automata, dubbing it a budget version of the latter. This analogy is further supported by a crossover DLC that allows players to dress Eve in the iconic 2B outfit. While the narrative similarities are evident, I find the combat mechanics of Stellar Blade to be superior. For those who appreciate solid action gameplay, captivating soundtracks, and stunning visuals, Stellar Blade on PC comes highly recommended.
The game is readily available on platforms such as Steam, the Epic Store, and the PlayStation Store, inviting players to immerse themselves in its vibrant world.
